Early vs Late model chassis

[bmwguy325is]

The entire rear sheet metal of the car is different. Thus why the rear wheel arches are different. Plus the larger tail lights.

[CW325]

early models have 2 front tow hooks and late models have one that threads in the bumper shock.

[ApexGoblin]

dont the 83-85 318 have rear drum brakes and not disc

[bmwguy325is]

early models have 2 front tow hooks and late models have one that threads in the bumper shock.

The early cars the tow eye screwed into the bumper. You had to remove the front plate.

[TobyB]

hmmm, 2/86 eta has 2 loops welded to the chassis as tow hooks...

but no, the shells are structurally identical. The rear quarters, tail panel and front
rad stuff is cosmetically different.

t

[kman_e30]

dont the 83-85 318 have rear drum brakes and not disc

all the early 318s have drums brakes in the rear as far as i know

[Jean]

Doesn't the 83 318i have a completely different rear seat, and the chassis part that it bolts to higher? I thought I saw that on a thread here.

the bottom part of the rear seat is different in how it mounts on the VERY EARLY e30s, 318 and 325...but aftr 85 it was the same as the rest.

dont the 83-85 318 have rear drum brakes and not disc

yes, but that's a simple trailing arm swap away.

[Holland]

Early 325's also have the 48mm strut tubes.